BC residents pessimistic about economy as deficit debate continues: poll

Only one-third of British Columbians view the province’s economy positively, while many expect conditions to worsen over the next six months, according to a new Research Co. poll released May 28.

The survey found 33 percent of respondents rated BC’s economic conditions as “very good” or “good,” while 62 percent described them as “bad” or “very bad.”

Views on household finances were nearly split. Forty-nine percent said their own finances were “very good” or “good,” while 48 percent described them as “bad” or “very bad.”

Economic pessimism was especially pronounced among BC Conservative voters. Just 17 percent of respondents who supported the party in the 2024 provincial election viewed the provincial economy positively, compared with 43 percent of BC NDP voters and 47 percent of BC Green voters.

Looking ahead, 41 percent of respondents said they expect BC’s economy to decline over the next six months. Thirty-eight percent expect no change, while 14 percent predict improvement.

The poll also found significant support for reducing bureaucracy and speeding up permitting processes. Sixty-four percent of respondents said the provincial government should devote more resources to expediting permits and dealing with bureaucracy and red tape. Among BC Conservative voters, that figure rises to 75 percent.

The findings were released as debate continues over the province’s fiscal outlook. In a statement issued May 28, BC Conservative Interim Leader Trevor Halford criticized the NDP government’s fiscal record, pointing to projected deficits, rising debt levels and pressures within the healthcare system.

The provincial government’s latest budget projects a $13.3-billion deficit for the 2026-27 fiscal year, followed by deficits of $12.2 billion and $11.4 billion in the following two years. Total provincial debt is forecast to rise from $154 billion to $234 billion over the fiscal plan period.

The Research Co. poll found British Columbians are divided on how the province should address the budget deficit. Forty-five percent favour cuts to programs, 33 percent support raising taxes and 21 percent are undecided.

“There is a significant political divide when British Columbians ponder the budget deficit,” said Research Co. President Mario Canseco. “Almost half of those who voted for the New Democrats in 2024 (46%) would raise taxes, while more than two thirds of those who supported the BC Conservatives (68%) would cut programs.”

The survey also found that 50 percent of respondents expect BC’s economy to improve because of the way the federal government under Mark Carney is treating the province, while 61 percent agree that many of the setbacks experienced by BC’s economy can be blamed on Donald Trump being president of the United States.